The most important first step for any aspiring model hoping to break into the modeling industry is building a modeling portfolio. The concept sounds simple enough- but you may wonder how to go about this process correctly, and the steps required of you. We have included step-by-step instructions detailing how to build your own modeling portfolio below.
First things first: please bear in mind that Creative Director your modeling portfolio is your BEST chance to help you book modeling work. It is also your first-impression to potential clients and modeling agencies- so it is extremely important to build a strong portfolio. As such, you want to determine something before you even get started on your portfolio, because avoiding this step may end up costing you tons of time, money, effort and potential work: determine which areas of modeling your look is best-suited for. Be realistic: if you are 300 pounds, you are best-suited for commercial and plus-sized modeling; as such, do not waste your time taking photos in swimwear and hoping to become a mainstream bikini model. If you aren’t sure what the different types of modeling are- or which your look is best for, do some research on Google, or check out a few reputable “Modeling Advice” websites.
Once you have determined your targeted modeling-areas, you will need to set about finding a photographer- or multiple. However many photographers you wish to use to build your portfolio is entirely up to you. What matters here is quality; quantity is just circumstance. (* please note: For the most part, this applies to unsigned and freelance models; models that are signed to a modeling agency before they have built their portfolio are typically provided with a list of approved photographers to use by their agency.)
While searching for a photographer, there are a few things you need to mark off on your “mental checklist”. Your first matter of business is to do your research on each candidate: Their credits, their resume, how long have they have been in the photography business- these are important. In addition, you will need to write the photographer and ask about their policies as far as a photoshoot- What are their rates? How many photos do they plan to give you once your shoot is complete? Will they make prints for you or will they give you the digital files?